Program Details
Geographic Information Systems (GIS), C.S.C.
Career Studies CertificateNorthern Virginia Community College
Purpose: This program is designed to help students develop both the theoretical knowledge and a practical facility with GIS. Students who already hold a baccalaureate or master's degree will acquire the requisite skills and knowledge to switch careers, or to apply spatial analysis in their present workplaces. Students will be positioned to pursue additional coursework toward an associate degree and/or transfer to a four-year institution for further study in the geospatial, environmental, or physical sciences; in civil engineering; in information technology; or in business/marketing at a four-year institution.
Preparation: Students are expected to understand fundamental computer applications and concepts before enrolling in GIS courses.
Program Overview & Guidance

| Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Considerations for Selecting Degree | |
| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
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| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
| Doing More With Your Degree | |
| Program Successes & Highlights |
Program Credit Requirements

The table below provides the requirements to complete this program if you are not following a Transfer Guide. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.
A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

| Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Students who have graduated with at least an associate or bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited United States institution of higher education are considered to have fulfilled NOVA's SDV requirement. Any other course transfers are evaluated based on the student's transcript, https://www.nvcc.edu/cro/transfercredit/index.html |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | Students who have graduated with at least an associate or bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited United States institution of higher education are considered to have fulfilled NOVA's SDV requirement. Any other course transfers are evaluated based on the student's transcript. |
| Credit for Prior Learning | NOVA strives to provide students with opportunities to receive credit for prior learning while still maintaining the integrity of our academic programs. Credit for prior learning (CPL) generally refers to the process of granting college credit for learning gained in nontraditional. ways; https://www.nvcc.edu/prior-learning/ |
| Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | Our classes feature up-to-date technology and course content to prepare you for a competitive job market; We also offer courses that will transfer to colleges all over Virginia and the nation. In fact, NOVA has guaranteed admission agreements with more than 40 colleges and universities for students who meet specific requirements. |
| Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by first semester of program placement. |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by first semester of program placement. |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | https://www.nvcc.edu/gaa/ |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

| Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Science in Social Science Degree Communications Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Randolph-Macon College | Communication Studies (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Bridgewater College | Strategic Communications - BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Social Sciences: Communication Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Roanoke College | Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Marymount University | Communication (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Art | 4-Year | In-Person |
| James Madison University | Bachelor of Arts, Major in Media Arts and Design | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| James Madison University | Bachelor of Science, Major in Communication Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| James Madison University | Bachelor of Science, Major in Media Arts and Design | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| James Madison University | Bachelor of Arts, Major in Communication Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications - General Broadcast Concentration | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Bridgewater College | Professional Writing Major - BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Averett University | Bachelor of Arts in Communication | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Averett University | Bachelor of Science in Communication | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Emory & Henry University | Media and Communication (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BA in Communication in Advertising | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts in Communication | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BA in Communication in Communication | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts in Communication | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BA in Communication in Multimedia Journalism | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts in Communication | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BA in Communication in Public Relations | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts in Communication | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BA in Communication in Sports Media and Analytics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts in Communication | 4-Year | In-Person |
| The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Arts in English, Major in Communication | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Blue Ridge Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
| Mountain Gateway Community College | Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Eastern Shore Community College | Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate in Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts - American Sign Language/Deaf Studies Major | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Art degree in Liberal Arts: Visual Arts Major | Associate | Associate of Art | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Mountain Empire Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| New River Community College | Associate of Art in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| New River Community College | Associate of Art in Liberal Arts-Fine Arts Major | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| New River Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts-Visual Communication Design Major | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Piedmont Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts - Fine Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | Hybrid |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts - Music | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | Hybrid |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts - Appalachian Studies | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | Online |
| Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts Degree | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Tidewater Community College | Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate of Art Degree in Liberal Arts Major in Art | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts - Major in Theatre | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts - Major in Music | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts Degree | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts Degree Fine Arts Major | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Richard Bland College | Associate of Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| George Mason University | Conflict Analysis and Resolution, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | Hybrid |
| George Mason University | Conflict Analysis and Resolution, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | Hybrid |
| George Mason University | Art History, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Anthropology, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Communication, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Economics, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
| George Mason University | English, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Environmental and Sustainability Studies, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Foreign Languages, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Global Affairs, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
| George Mason University | Human Development and Family Science, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | Hybrid, Online |
| George Mason University | History, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Integrative Studies, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Philosophy, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Psychology, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
| George Mason University | Religious Studies, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Russian and Eurasian Studies, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Sociology, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
| George Mason University | Creative Writing, BFA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Government and International Politics, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | International Security and Law, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | Hybrid, Online |
| Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts Degree | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Radford University | BA in Anthropological Sciences | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Anthropological Sciences | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BA in Art | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BFA in Art | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Art | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BA in Communication | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Communication | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BBA in Economics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Business Administration | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Economics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BA in English | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in English | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BA in Foreign Languages | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Foreign Languages | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BA in History | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in History | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BA in Media Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Media Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BA in Music | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BM in Music | Bachelor | Bachelor of Music | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Music | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BA in Philosophy and Religious Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Philosophy and Religious Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BA in Sociology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Sociology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Bachelor of Arts in FL in Arabic | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Bachelor of Arts in Art | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Bachelor of Arts in FL in Classical Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Bachelor of Arts in English in Creative Writing | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts in English | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BS in Human Development in Early Childhood Development and Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Human Development | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Bachelor of Arts in English in English | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts in English | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BA in Education-Secondary Educ in English Language Arts Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts in Education in Secondary Education | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BA in Public & Urban Affairs in Environmental Policy and Planning | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts in Public and Urban Affairs | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Bachelor of Arts in FL in French | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Bachelor of Arts in FL in German | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Bachelor of Arts in History | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BA in Education-Secondary Educ in History and Social Sciences Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts in Education in Secondary Education | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BS in Human Development in Human Development | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Human Development | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BA in Religion and Culture in Humanities for Public Service | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Culture | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BA in Philosophy in Philosophy | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BA in Philosophy in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BA in Religion and Culture in Religion and Culture | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Culture | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Bachelor of Arts in FL in Russian | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BA in Public & Urban Affairs in Smart and Sustainable Cities | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts in Public and Urban Affairs | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Bachelor of Arts in FL in Spanish | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Bachelor of Arts in English in Technical and Scientific Communication | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts in English | 4-Year | In-Person |
| The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Major in Elementary Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Danville Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts Degree | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Rappahannock Community College | Associate in Arts Degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Tidewater Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts Theatre Major | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person |
| Tidewater Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts, Communication Major | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

| O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1122.00 | Communications Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in communications, such as organizational communications, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, and journalism. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 27-3043.05 | Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers | Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
| 11-2032.00 | Public Relations Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client. | Management Occupations |
| 27-3043.00 | Writers and Authors | Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
| 27-3041.00 | Editors | Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
| 27-3023.00 | News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
| 27-3011.00 | Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television, or other communications media. May play and queue music, announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
| 27-3031.00 | Public Relations Specialists | Promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
| 25-1199.00 | Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | All postsecondary teachers not listed separately. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 11-3121.00 | Human Resources Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization. | Management Occupations |
| 11-3131.00 | Training and Development Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate the training and development activities and staff of an organization. | Management Occupations |
| 13-1151.00 | Training and Development Specialists | Design or conduct work-related training and development programs to improve individual skills or organizational performance. May analyze organizational training needs or evaluate training effectiveness. | Business and Financial Operations Occupations |
| 27-3099.00 | Media and Communication Workers, All Other | All media and communication workers not listed separately. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
| 13-1131.00 | Fundraisers | Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization's work, goals, and financial needs. | Business and Financial Operations Occupations |
| 11-2033.00 | Fundraising Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations. | Management Occupations |
Cost To Complete

